Alexandria Police arrested a 19-year-old man they say was hiding in the woods after an attempted armed robbery in the West End.
The incident occurred at 10:50 p.m. on September 30, and the four male victims were walking when they were approached by five men demanding money. Three of the suspects showed handguns in their waistbands, but nothing was stolen, according to police.
“After leaving the area, the suspects re-approached the victims and demanded money again,” police reported in a search warrant affidavit. “This time, three male suspects pulled handguns out while demanding money.”
The attempted robbery occurred a mile from where a man was shot and killed earlier that day. The area is near the intersection with North Van Dorn Street, which runs alongside Interstate 395 and is around the corner to the Winkler Preserve.
One of the victims told police that two suspects, one wearing a white hoodie and the other in a black hoodie, ran into the woods on the east side of Knole Court.
Vince Mason, Jr. was found “hiding” in the woods, according to police. Mason was then positively identified by one of the victims.
“A white hoodie was found hanging on the dumpster and Mr. Mason Jr. admitted that it was his,” notes the affidavit. “The trees/woods that Mr. Mason Jr. had been hiding in were extremely dense, and it was dark outside. As such, law enforcement was unable to conduct a thorough search of the area.”
At 4 p.m. the next day, police found a handgun in the woods close to where Mason was arrested.
